Tebas denies LaLiga pressure on Messi

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has debunked claims that he personally tried to stop Lionel Messi from leaving Barcelona.

Messi announced he was going to stay despite being unhappy with life at the Nou Camp, after previously sending a burofax to the club announcing of his intention to leave. There was a clause in the 33-year-old’s contract that allowed him to leave but that lapsed on June 10.

Messi and his representatives argued that it should have been extended to the end of August due to the coronavirus pandemic. However LaLiga released a statement confirming that the £630 million release clause was still active.

Tebas was interviewed by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
“As a league we must defend the rules and promote justice: they must respect the contracts. Always. Whether you’re called Messi or Pepito Perez,” Tebas said.
“I personally don’t see it as a battle with Messi and his team. I’ve got a special appreciation for Leo, I love him, and the history he’s created in our football over the last 20 years. How could I be at war with him?
“I repeat, my intervention was only so that contracts were respected. But it’s clear that with Leo being involved, the media turned it into a giant story.”